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Peru, a journey to the Incan Empire
5 stops
13 nights
32 miles
Peru has gained a reputation in recent years as a must-visit destination thanks to the sheer number of its archaeological sites and relics. Yet the country has even more to offer for history enthusiasts, starting with its capital, Lima, nestled on the Pacific Ocean, packed full of museums and boasting a culinary heritage spanning more than four centuries. The journey continues through an unbeatable list of world-renowned destinations, including Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco, the Andes Mountains and Lake Titicaca. Enjoy an enchanting journey to the heart of ancient Incan culture.
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Departure
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Lima
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Larco Museum, Lima
Founded in 1926, the Larco Museum recounts over 5000 years of history. Devoted to pre-Columbian works, the extremely well-designed museum presents superb themed collections. Unusually, the museum's reserves and their 45,000 archeological objects are also accessible to the public.
During your stay
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Plaza de Armas, Lima
Classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Plaza de Armas is located at the heart of the old colonial town. In spite of a series of earthquakes, the Cathedral has managed to preserve many of its treasures. The remains of the building still house the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, the city's founder. Nearby is the Government Palace with its superb courtyards. This is where the crowds gather each day to watch the changing of the guard.
During your stay
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Astrid & Gastón Restaurant
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2hPlane
Recommended duration : 3 nights
Iquitos
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5hPlane
Recommended duration : 4 nights
Urubamba
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Butterflies and orchids
Right on the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Suites site you will find 206 species of bird (including eighteen kinds of hummingbird), 111 species of butterfly, several bear specimens and the world's largest collection of orchids in their natural habitat. For us, Machu Picchu is much more than a marvellous series of ruins, it's paradise itself!
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32 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Cusco
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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The Sacsayhuamán fortress
Located in the hills above Cusco, this Inca fortress was constructed in the 15th century. It is built in the form of the head of a puma, a sacred animal. We still don't know how the Inca managed to transport and assemble these immense blocks of stone on the top of the hill (some of them weigh more than 100 tonnes). Every year on 24 June, a large crowd gathers here to attend a religious ceremony during Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun. It is a magnificent sight.
During your stay
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Strolling through Cusco's old town
Cusco is a town like no other. Over the centuries, the old capital of the Inca has managed to preserve not only its heritage but also a unique atmosphere. Paradoxically, the successive earthquakes have re-opened this chapter of its history, allowing archeologists to discover ancient temples such as Qorikancha 'temple of the sun', an incredible testament to the treasures of the past …
During your stay
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Pre-Columbian Art Museum, Cusco
Mochica, Nasca, Salinar, Inca … Since 2003, most of the pre-Columbian civilisations have been brought together in this museum, located in Plaza de las Nazarenas. The organisation of the museum shows each of the 450 objects on public display to their best advantage. Although certain pieces may resemble modern art, the objects on display date from 1250 BC to 1532 AD.
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3h30Plane
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Arequipa
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Taquile Island
This isolated island is the home of weavers whose textile work has been recognised as part of the intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. The traditional social structure of the island is reflected in the women's dress as well as in day-to-day greetings. The southern point of Taquile Island is a hour-hour boat cruise from Titilaka. Here you will meet Juan and his family, a weaver who will tell you fascinating stories about his island, his lake and the Aymara culture …
During your stay
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The floating islands of the Uros
Meeting the traditional families who live on these floating islands, made completely out of totora reeds, is a unique experience. The Uros islands are located close to the Titicaca National Reserve. Today, the original inhabitants, known as Kot-Suña, “the people of the lake”, have almost entirely disappeared.
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